With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or longer. But even the most meticulously maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.
When you’re getting started planning for air conditioning installation in Omaha, we realize that the price tops your list of questions. The good news is that getting a new air conditioner could be more economical than you think it is, due to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also get enhanced energy efficiency, which will usually pay off over its life span through cheaper cooling bills.
Here’s what to prepare for when you’re getting a new air conditioner.
When to Replace Your Air Conditioner
Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.
Replace
- Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some may last longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with routine maintenance. We suggest prepping for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year mark. Even if you install a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this change could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
- You’ve avoided routine maintenance for a long time. Similar to a car, you cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this crucial service can lead to diminished efficiency, more frequent repairs and even a shorter life span.
- Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of skipping service. But as your air conditioner gets older, it’s more likely to have a major breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, we recommend getting a new one.
- Your home feels unpleasant. If your house feels too muggy or you’re dealing with hot and cold spots in given spaces, your air conditioner might be having a hard time keeping up. This is a clue you should replace it.
- Your cooling bills are costly. Your air conditioner loses efficiency as it ages. Consequently, it might need to run more often or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your home comfortable and utility costs reasonable.
- Your air conditioner uses R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was installed before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it uses Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced as a result of its damaging effects on the environment. You can carry on with using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, solving that would be very expensive. This is since R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.
Repair
- Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s ideal to repair it.
- Repairs aren’t common or economical. The best way to prevent emergency repairs is to have regular work scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are reasonable, repair your air conditioner.
- Your air conditioner is under warranty. Most air conditioners come with a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is determined by your manufacturer, but it offers valuable protection in the event of a huge failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we suggest fixing it.
Air Conditioner Cost
Many homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, according to national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your exact cost may be different.
There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, such as:
- The air conditioner model you choose, because more energy-efficient ones are more expensive.
- The size your home needs.
- If you need to put in new ductwork, which can be needed if your ductwork is aging or damaged.
We offer free estimates at The Frazier Company so you can be sure you’re getting a good deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that works with just about any budget.
Air Conditioner Size
Air conditioner size is essential. A system that’s too small will have difficulty keeping your house cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This behavior can increase your cooling costs and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This could also create temperature instabilities and make your home feel less comfy.
At The Frazier Company, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your home is, in addition to several other considerations. Some of the most typical sizes include:
- 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
- 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
- 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
- 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet
Other things that can impact air conditioner size are:
- The climate in Omaha
- Ductwork quality and age
- How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows might be more inefficient
- If your home gets more sun or shade
- Insulation quality and concentration
- How many people live in your home
SEER Ratings
Your air conditioner’s efficiency is tied to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The greater the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.
When you’re getting a new air conditioner, it’s essential to realize:
- Dated air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
- Updated air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be at least 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
- ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
- Higher SEER-rated air conditioners come with extra features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of going at full blast continuously, these air conditioners can adjust blower speeds customized for your cooling preferences. This leads to quieter and more energy-efficient cooling. While an air conditioner with a better SEER rating is typically more expensive, it may be eligible for additional rebates. And the energy savings over time may help it pay for itself.
Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with The Frazier Company Today
When you’re doing air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as critical as the model you choose. The Frazier Company is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Omaha. From helping you find the recommended solution for your home to going over financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our pros is a breeze. Reach us at 402-628-0206 to start today!